Nigerian Chess Prodigy Tunde Onakoya Smashes Marathon Record—Incredible Feat
Amid the dazzling spectacle of New York’s Times Square, Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess virtuoso, etched his name into history by shattering the record for the longest chess marathon. With an unwavering resolve, Onakoya persisted at the board for an astounding 58 consecutive hours, aiming not only to secure a place in the annals of chess but also to champion a noble cause.
At the heart of Onakoya’s marathon endeavor lies a philanthropic mission: to raise $1 million for charity, dedicated to advancing chess education for millions of children worldwide. His noble ambition has rallied support from across the Nigerian community in New York, with hundreds gathering to cheer him on, their enthusiasm buoyed by the presence of Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido.
The vibrant atmosphere pulsated with music as supporters infused Onakoya with sustenance, serving traditional Nigerian delicacies such as the beloved jollof rice. Meanwhile, halfway across the globe, Onakoya’s compatriots in Nigeria watched in awe as he etched his name into the record books, streaming his remarkable feat on Twitch.
Messages of admiration flooded the stream, hailing Onakoya as a beacon of inspiration. From expressions of gratitude for daring to dream to accolades extolling his resilience and excellence, the outpouring of support underscored Onakoya’s significance as a symbol of Nigerian pride.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, hailed Onakoya’s achievement as symbolic of the nation’s spirit of excellence and resilience. Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu voiced his support, recognizing Onakoya’s feat as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of determination and perseverance.
Onakoya’s journey to chess mastery is a testament to the game’s transformative power. Raised amidst the dire circumstances of Lagos’s notorious floating slums, chess became his beacon of hope, rescuing him from the depths of poverty. Now, through his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya pays forward the gift of chess, empowering underprivileged children with the tools for intellectual growth and academic success.
Additionally, as a board member of The Gift of Chess, a US-based non-profit, Onakoya contributes to a noble initiative to distribute one million chess sets to underserved communities by 2030, further cementing his commitment to leveraging chess as a catalyst for positive change.
In his remarkable journey from the slums of Lagos to the global stage of chess mastery, Tunde Onakoya embodies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and philanthropy, inspiring generations to dare to dream and reach for greatness.
